50 Chief People Officers at Major Employers in the UK

Last updated: August 2026

Chief People Officers shape how major employers attract, support and develop people. They help leaders turn strategy into the systems, habits and culture that make good work possible.

This directory brings together 50 current Chief People Officers and closely related senior people leaders connected to major employers, regulators, universities, health services and public organisations in the United Kingdom. The titles vary because the work varies, but every example shows how a people function sits close to organisational performance.

These names are presented as a practical directory rather than a contest. Each entry offers a useful example of a current senior people role and its organisational context.

Why Chief People Officers matter

A Chief People Officer is often the person responsible for making the human side of strategy real. That can mean building leadership capability, improving the employee experience, planning for future skills, strengthening inclusion, supporting transformation or helping managers lead well at scale.

The role is especially visible in large employers because complexity makes informal culture less reliable. Different teams, locations and professional groups need a clear people system, but they also need room for local judgement and genuine relationships.

For senior leaders, this list is a way to compare the shape of people roles across sectors. For people professionals, it offers examples of how the remit can stretch across talent, culture, inclusion, learning, workforce planning, legal work and organisational change.

1. Helen Pickles

Chief People Officer, HM Revenue and Customs

Helen Pickles is the Chief People Officer at HM Revenue and Customs. Her public government profile places the role inside a national tax administration with a large, distributed workforce.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Helen Pickles's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

2. Helen Williams

Chief People Officer, NICE

Helen Williams is the Chief People Officer at NICE. NICE's senior leadership structure connects the people function with an organisation that produces guidance for health and care.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Helen Williams's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

3. Patricia Galloway

Chief People Officer, National Wealth Fund

Patricia Galloway is the Chief People Officer at National Wealth Fund. The National Wealth Fund profile describes her as a senior HR professional who has spent almost three decades leading teams across three continents and multiple sectors.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Patricia Galloway's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

4. Jackie Kinsey

Chief People Officer, Genomics England

Jackie Kinsey is the Chief People Officer at Genomics England. Genomics England's profile links her people remit with a genomics organisation working across health, research and public value.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Jackie Kinsey's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

5. Jackie Kelly

Chief People Officer, Disclosure and Barring Service

Jackie Kelly is the Chief People Officer at Disclosure and Barring Service. The government profile records more than two decades of experience in people and organisational leadership across public services.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Jackie Kelly's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

6. Kay Jarvis

Chief People Officer, TRL

Kay Jarvis is the Chief People Officer at TRL. The appointment announcement connects her people remit with TRL's work in transport research and innovation.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Kay Jarvis's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

7. Amanda Williams

Chief People Officer, CHEC

Amanda Williams is the Chief People Officer at CHEC. CHEC's leadership profile places her across people and education, with a remit covering the employee lifecycle and organisational development.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Amanda Williams's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

8. Arlene Stokes

Chief People Officer, Aegon UK

Arlene Stokes is the Chief People Officer at Aegon UK. Aegon's executive profile says she leads human resources and internal communications while supporting an inclusive culture.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Arlene Stokes's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

9. Bernie Charles

Chief Human Resources Officer, Handelsbanken UK

Bernie Charles is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Handelsbanken UK. The bank's executive page describes responsibility for business partnering, talent, succession, reward and development across the UK function.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Bernie Charles's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

10. Beth Whittaker

Chief Human Resources Officer, Northern Europe, Veolia

Beth Whittaker is the Chief Human Resources Officer, Northern Europe at Veolia. Veolia's UK executive information places her Northern Europe remit on the UK and Ireland leadership committee.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Beth Whittaker's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

11. Angela Rossi

Chief Human Resources Officer, Cleveland Clinic London

Angela Rossi is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cleveland Clinic London. The hospital's executive team page links her people agenda with culture and leadership in a specialist healthcare setting.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Angela Rossi's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

12. Phillippa O'Connor

Chief People Officer, PwC UK

Phillippa O'Connor is the Chief People Officer at PwC UK. PwC's public contact profile identifies her as the senior people leader for a major professional services organisation in the UK.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Phillippa O'Connor's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

13. Rebecca Jeffs

Chief People Officer, ISS UK and Ireland

Rebecca Jeffs is the Chief People Officer at ISS UK and Ireland. ISS announced her appointment for the UK and Ireland, linking people leadership with a large frontline facilities workforce.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Rebecca Jeffs's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

14. Sophie Smith

Chief People Officer, Compass UK and Ireland

Sophie Smith is the Chief People Officer at Compass UK and Ireland. Compass's executive team places her people remit alongside a workforce spread across food and support services.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Sophie Smith's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

15. Sarah Mantle-Gray

Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, UK and International, Intact Insurance

Sarah Mantle-Gray is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, UK and International at Intact Insurance. Intact's leadership page connects her UK and international people role with a regulated insurance business.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Sarah Mantle-Gray's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

16. Andy Campbell-Critchley

Chief Human Resources Officer, Randstad UK

Andy Campbell-Critchley is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Randstad UK. Randstad describes him as an active business partner using people data and HR strategy in a major recruitment group.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Andy Campbell-Critchley's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

17. Geraldine Buckland

Chief People Officer, Elexon

Geraldine Buckland is the Chief People Officer at Elexon. Elexon's executive profile says she delivers the people strategy for the organisation that supports electricity market arrangements.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Geraldine Buckland's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

18. Megan Giannini

Chief People Officer, Coats Group

Megan Giannini is the Chief People Officer at Coats Group. Coats's profile describes her as responsible for shaping and executing the Group's global HR strategy and building a high-performing culture through talent development.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Megan Giannini's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

19. Nick Harding

Chief People Officer, Canada Life UK

Nick Harding is the Chief People Officer at Canada Life UK. Canada Life's profile says he leads the People Strategy for the UK business.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Nick Harding's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

20. Danielle Harmer

Chief People Officer, Aviva

Danielle Harmer is the Chief People Officer at Aviva. Aviva's leader profile places her on the group executive team and connects her work with global people and culture strategy.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Danielle Harmer's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

21. Gaynor Gillespie

Group Chief People Officer, Rathbones

Gaynor Gillespie is the Group Chief People Officer at Rathbones. Rathbones records her as group people leader after earlier senior HR work at BNP Paribas UK and a career spanning more than 30 years.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Gaynor Gillespie's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

22. Erica Bourne

Group Chief People Officer, London Stock Exchange Group

Erica Bourne is the Group Chief People Officer at London Stock Exchange Group. LSEG's executive team identifies her as group people leader and chair of the LSEG Foundation.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Erica Bourne's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

23. Tracey Kneller

Group Chief People Officer, Royal London

Tracey Kneller is the Group Chief People Officer at Royal London. Royal London's executive committee page gives her responsibility for the People function and records her earlier role as Co-op Bank's people leader.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Tracey Kneller's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

24. Ade Rawcliffe

Chief People and Inclusion Officer, ITV

Ade Rawcliffe is the Chief People and Inclusion Officer at ITV. ITV's group executive committee gives her responsibility across human resources, workplace services, inclusion and wider risk operations.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Ade Rawcliffe's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

25. Gaenor Prest

Chief People Officer, Post Office

Gaenor Prest is the Chief People Officer at Post Office. The Post Office executive page connects her role with cultural transformation and building a more inclusive and accountable business.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Gaenor Prest's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

26. Alison Black

Group Chief People Officer, Charles Taylor

Alison Black is the Group Chief People Officer at Charles Taylor. Charles Taylor's leadership profile says she leads global human resources across recruitment, development, retention, succession and reward.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Alison Black's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

27. Orlagh Hunt

Group Chief People Officer, OSB Group

Orlagh Hunt is the Group Chief People Officer at OSB Group. OSB Group's leadership information places her people remit in a specialist banking group with a UK operating base.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Orlagh Hunt's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

28. Amanda Vaughan

Chief People Officer, UK and Ireland, AXA UK and Ireland

Amanda Vaughan is the Chief People Officer, UK and Ireland at AXA UK and Ireland. AXA says she joined in August 2025 after senior roles at AXA and Westpac focused on culture, capability, talent and leadership.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Amanda Vaughan's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

29. Claudia Osei-Nsafoah

Chief People Officer, Sky Group

Claudia Osei-Nsafoah is the Chief People Officer at Sky Group. Sky says she joined the executive management committee in 2023 and leads people strategy, inclusion, learning, wellbeing and talent across Europe.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Claudia Osei-Nsafoah's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

30. Hayley Tatum

Chief People Officer, Marks and Spencer

Hayley Tatum is the Chief People Officer at Marks and Spencer. M and S's leadership page records her earlier people leadership at Asda and Tesco and more than 30 years in retail.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Hayley Tatum's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

31. James Goodman

Chief People Officer, Asda

James Goodman is the Chief People Officer at Asda. Asda's leadership page identifies him as the senior people leader for a major UK retailer with a large frontline workforce.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, James Goodman's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

32. James Thorne

Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, UK and Ireland, McDonald's UK and Ireland

James Thorne is the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, UK and Ireland at McDonald's UK and Ireland. McDonald's UK and Ireland lists him in the senior leadership team for a business built around restaurants, franchisees and frontline teams.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, James Thorne's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

33. Penny Dudley

Group Chief People and Legal Officer, Bupa

Penny Dudley is the Group Chief People and Legal Officer at Bupa. Bupa announced her 2026 appointment with a combined people and legal remit across an international healthcare organisation with UK operations.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Penny Dudley's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

34. Sonia Astill

Chief People Officer, Wickes

Sonia Astill is the Chief People Officer at Wickes. Wickes says she leads its Making Wickes Inclusive Programme and sponsors its wellbeing network.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Sonia Astill's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

35. Kate Seljeflot

Chief People Officer, Kingfisher

Kate Seljeflot is the Chief People Officer at Kingfisher. Kingfisher's leadership page records her experience across Costa, Diageo and Shell before joining the home improvement group.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Kate Seljeflot's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

36. Jacky Simmonds

Chief People Officer, Experian

Jacky Simmonds is the Chief People Officer at Experian. Experian's profile connects her global HR strategy with reward, succession, talent and organisation design.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Jacky Simmonds's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

37. Siobhán Sheridan

Executive Director, Chief People Officer and Corporate Governance, Financial Conduct Authority

Siobhán Sheridan is the Executive Director, Chief People Officer and Corporate Governance at Financial Conduct Authority. The FCA profile says she leads the people strategy, chairs its diversity, equity and inclusion programme board and became an executive director in July 2026.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Siobhan Sheridan's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

38. Vicki Baker

Chief People Officer, Secure Trust Bank

Vicki Baker is the Chief People Officer at Secure Trust Bank. Secure Trust Bank announced her appointment effective February 2026, giving a recent example from UK banking.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Vicki Baker's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

39. Tina St Leger

Chief People Officer, Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Tina St Leger is the Chief People Officer at Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Oxford Nanopore says she joined in June 2026 to lead its global people strategy.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Tina St Leger's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

40. Ayshea Robertson

Chief People Officer, Atom bank

Ayshea Robertson is the Chief People Officer at Atom bank. Atom bank describes her remit as covering recruitment, the employee journey and North East initiatives.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Ayshea Robertson's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

41. Jane Perkin

Chief People and Culture Officer, BACB

Jane Perkin is the Chief People and Culture Officer at BACB. BACB's current profile says she leads the bank's people agenda and its programme for cultivating, acquiring and retaining talented professionals.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Jane Perkin's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

42. Fiona Hnatow

Chief People Officer, University of Portsmouth

Fiona Hnatow is the Chief People Officer at University of Portsmouth. The university executive board profile places her people remit in a large higher education institution.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Fiona Hnatow's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

43. Karen Gooday

Chief People Officer, University of the Arts London

Karen Gooday is the Chief People Officer at University of the Arts London. UAL's executive board identifies her as the senior people leader for a specialist creative university.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Karen Gooday's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

44. Aisla Nicholls

Chief People Officer, Royal Holloway, University of London

Aisla Nicholls is the Chief People Officer at Royal Holloway, University of London. Royal Holloway announced her appointment to the role from May 2026, providing a recent higher education example.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Aisla Nicholls's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

45. Sarah-Jane Taylor

Chief People Officer, University Hospitals Sussex

Sarah-Jane Taylor is the Chief People Officer at University Hospitals Sussex. The NHS profile places her people role across a major hospital trust serving communities in Sussex.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Sarah-Jane Taylor's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

46. Nia Fortune

Chief People Officer, University of Warwick

Nia Fortune is the Chief People Officer at University of Warwick. Warwick's executive team lists her as Chief People Officer in a research intensive university.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Nia Fortune's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

47. Vikki Matthews

Chief People Officer, The Open University

Vikki Matthews is the Chief People Officer at The Open University. The Open University's executive team places the role in a distance learning institution with a national reach.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Vikki Matthews's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

48. Magi Hoppitt

Chief People Officer and CEO, PeoplesFutures, Coventry University

Magi Hoppitt is the Chief People Officer and CEO, PeoplesFutures at Coventry University. Coventry University's profile combines the people role with leadership of PeoplesFutures, its people and skills capability function.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Magi Hoppitt's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

49. Sharon Lilley

Chief People Officer, Aberystwyth University

Sharon Lilley is the Chief People Officer at Aberystwyth University. Aberystwyth's executive group places her people remit in a university serving Wales and a broad student community.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Sharon Lilley's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

50. Sarah Williams

Chief People Officer, UK and Ireland, OCS

Sarah Williams is the Chief People Officer, UK and Ireland at OCS. OCS's profile connects her people strategy with frontline listening and growth across a facilities services business.

The example is useful because it shows how a senior people role is shaped by the work an organisation needs to do. For leaders comparing people functions, talent systems and culture work, Sarah Williams's public role offers a practical starting point for further reading.

What these leaders show us about people leadership

The first pattern is range. Some people leaders sit in banks, insurers and professional services firms. Others work in transport, healthcare, universities, regulators, retailers and technology businesses. The job title is shared, but the operating problem is different in every setting.

The second pattern is connection. People leadership is rarely only about policy or process. It connects workforce capability with customer outcomes, technical change, safety, inclusion, leadership quality and the organisation's ability to keep its promises.

The third pattern is translation. The strongest people functions help an organisation understand what its strategy means for managers and employees. They turn broad aims into better decisions, clearer expectations and everyday work that people can actually sustain.

How to use this list

Start with the people role closest to the question you are trying to solve. Compare a regulated organisation with a retailer, a university with a technology company, or a public service with a professional firm. Look for the responsibilities that repeat and the responsibilities that are specific to context.

Then ask what the role appears to make possible. Does it connect culture with growth, learning with technical capability, inclusion with leadership, or people data with better decisions? Those questions are more useful than copying a title or importing a framework without understanding the work around it.

Use the linked profiles as a starting point for your own reading. Senior responsibilities can change, so the organisation's current page is the best place to explore each role further.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Chief People Officer do?

The role usually leads the people function and helps connect workforce decisions with organisational strategy. The exact remit may include talent, culture, learning, inclusion, reward, employee relations, workforce planning, organisation design and leadership development.

Why do senior people titles vary?

Organisations use titles such as Chief People Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief People and Inclusion Officer and Executive Director and Chief People Officer. The wording often reflects the organisation's history, priorities and structure.

Is this a complete list of UK Chief People Officers?

No. It is a practical directory of 50 current public examples connected to major UK employers and institutions. The field is broader than any one article, and roles can change as organisations change.

What should a board expect from a Chief People Officer?

A board should expect a clear view of workforce capability, leadership quality, culture, risk and the employee experience. The most useful people leaders connect those issues to the organisation's actual goals and measures.

How can someone learn from these leaders?

Read the public role source, notice what sits inside the remit and look at the organisation's context. The best lesson is usually not a programme to copy. It is the question the people leader is helping the organisation answer.

Conclusion

Chief People Officers work at the point where strategy meets daily experience. The people in this directory hold different remits, but each role raises the same practical question: what will help people do better work and keep growing as the organisation changes?

Use the list as a set of starting points. Read the linked public profiles, compare the responsibilities and notice which parts of the work fit your own context. A strong people function is not defined by a fashionable title. It is defined by whether people can do good work with clarity, capability and trust.

If this has helped you name a people or culture question in your organisation, write down the one capability you most need to strengthen next. That is the best place to begin.

Related Reading

For practical follow-through, read How to Build a Company Culture Employees Will Move Cities to Join, 100 Proven Strategies for Leadership Team Development and 11 Proven Ways to Get Your Leadership Team Aligned.

Work with Jonno

I help leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. If you want practical support for leadership development, organisation capability or a Working Genius workshop, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

About the author

Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and the author of Step Up or Step Out. He works with schools, corporates and nonprofits around the world. To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.